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Neumann KH 120 Active Studio Monitor

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$640.00 to $799.99 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (37)

2 Critic Reviews

7 Reviews

Find out who is using Neumann KH 120

6 community setups

Featured in

Best Studio Monitor Speakers for Perfect Sound

10 wishlisted

79 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated July 1, 2026.

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Reviews

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5.0 (2)

$749.00

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4.8 (22)

$640.00 Used

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5.0 (7)

$799.99 7 available Used

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$749.00

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5.0 (5)

$749.00

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5.0 (6)

$729.00

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Average Price: $736

Standard/Professional

$300

$801+

Price Tier

In the Active & Passive Monitors category, Neumann KH 120 Active Studio Monitor is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Neumann KH 120 Active Studio Monitor". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Neumann KH 120 Active Studio Monitor is a robust tool for every musician and producer, marrying functionality and innovation in one compact device. This nearfield loudspeaker doubles up as a rear loudspeaker in multi-channel systems, exhibiting versatility and adaptability. Designed with the latest acoustic and electronic simulation technologies, it guarantees accurate sound reproduction, making it a reliable partner in any recording or mixing session.

The monitor packs an analog class-AB amplifier and a large headroom analog input, facilitating maximum versatility across a wide range of acoustic conditions, source equipment, and physical locations. The Mathematically Modeled Dispersion (MMD) waveguide is a standout feature, adding to its flexibility and control. The KH 120 is built to deliver consistency, assuring perfect pair-matching with another KH-120, demonstrating the precision and quality that Neumann brings to the table.

Key Features:

Designed for use as a nearfield loudspeaker or as a rear loudspeaker in larger multi-channel systems
Utilizes the latest in acoustic and electronic simulation and measurement technologies
Incorporates a Mathematically Modeled Dispersion (MMD) waveguide for accurate sound reproduction
Built with an analog class-AB amplifier and a large headroom analog input
Offers extensive mounting hardware range for maximum versatility
Manufactured to deliver supreme consistency between units for perfect pair-matching
Includes adjustable acoustical controls for adaptable sound output
Comes with a balanced analog XLR input
Equipped with a 5.25-inch low-frequency driver and a 1-inch high-frequency driver
Provides a frequency response of 54 Hz - 20 kHz and a peak sound pressure level of 97 dB
Features an all-aluminum case for heat dissipation, durability, and longevity.

Product specs

Brand	Neumann
Model	KH 120 A 5.25" Active Nearfield Studio Monitors (Pair)
Finish	Gray, White
Year	2010s
Made In	Germany
Categories	Studio Monitors
Amplification	Active

FAQs

What is the ideal listening distance for the Neumann KH 120 Active Studio Monitor?: The Neumann KH 120 is designed for nearfield applications with an optimal listening distance of 1 to 2 meters (approximately 3 to 6 feet).
Are the Neumann KH 120 monitors suitable for mixing and mastering in a home studio?: Yes, the Neumann KH 120 monitors provide accurate and clear sound reproduction, making them well-suited for critical listening tasks such as mixing and mastering in a home studio environment.
Do I need an external amplifier to use the Neumann KH 120 Active Studio Monitors?: No, the Neumann KH 120 monitors are active, meaning they have built-in amplifiers and do not require an external amplifier to operate.
What are the main features of the Neumann KH 120's sound performance?: The Neumann KH 120 offers precise sound reproduction with clear highs, defined mids, and tight bass, making it ideal for professional audio applications where accuracy is essential.
Can the Neumann KH 120 be used in different room sizes?: While the Neumann KH 120 is optimized for nearfield listening, it can be adapted to various room sizes by adjusting its placement and using acoustic treatment for best results.

Videos

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Reviews

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PROS

Exceptionally accurate and clear sound reproduction
Flat frequency response, unbiased listening experience
High-quality construction, durable and visually appealing
Reveals details in mixes for precise adjustments
Effective at low and high volumes without distortion
Compact size suited for small studios
Can be DSP corrected with additional equipment
Provides physical feedback for bass mixing
Translates mixes well across different listening environments
Excellent value for its price point

CONS

Limited low-end response may require a subwoofer for some users
Power supply and audio circuitry on the same board, making repairs costly

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Neumann KH 120 Active Studio Monitor.

User experience

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Owners note that KH120a monitors provide excellent stereo imaging and are easy on the ears for extended listening, making them ideal for long studio sessions.
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Adding two KRK10s subwoofers significantly enhances the KH120s, creating a full-range monitoring setup when paired with room treatment and Sonarworks calibration.
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Owners report that smaller Neumann monitors like KH 80s deliver surprising bass for their size, though they lack sub-bass without a subwoofer.
Source

Comparisons

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The KH120a speakers are often compared favorably to ATC SCM25a, with some users preferring the KH120a for their balanced sound and cost-effectiveness.
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Focal Shape Twins provide a hi-fi sound, more bass clarity, and openness in the top end, preferred for genres like Lionel Richie's "All Night Long."
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IK Multimedia Precision MTM's offer superior midrange clarity and tight bass, particularly suitable for rock music with crisp and crunchy mids.
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Adam Audio A7V's are considered for their active DSP tuning, offering another option in the same price range as KH120s.
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KH 120s are considered a viable upgrade for those using 5" monitors like the Adam A5x, especially for techno, due to better low-end extension.
Source

Software and compatibility

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The Neumann DSP/correction software is praised for improving sound quality in challenging environments, though it's noted as being slow.
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The Neumann MA-1 Monitor Alignment kit is required to apply DSP room corrections on KH 120s, adding $200-$300 to the cost.
Source

Use cases and applications

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KH120a monitors work best in extreme nearfield setups (about 1 meter or less), where they provide a balanced and full sound.
Source
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Recommended for small studio spaces where space is a constraint, leveraging the compact size and front wall placement potential.
Source

Features and functionality

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The analog KH120As are noted for their impressive output relative to size, while the digital versions can sound grainy in comparison.
Source
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Built-in room correction in IK Multimedia Precision MTM's effectively addresses bass nodes, providing an advantage over some other monitors in challenging environments.
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The KH 120 II's front-ported design allows for placement close to the front wall, minimizing interference in smaller, untreated rooms.
Source

Critic Reviews

Neumann KH120A & KH810

soundonsound.com

Neumann's KH120A studio monitors impress with their compact size and powerful performance, offering a surprisingly wide bandwidth and neutral, transparent sound. They excel in detailed audio reproduction, making them ideal for various genres, from rock to classical. The robust build quality and well-thought-out room-correction features add to their appeal. When paired with the KH810 subwoofer, they deliver full-range audio with impressive power, suited for demanding monitoring environments. While the subwoofer is notably large, its integration with the KH120A is seamless, providing an exceptional audio experience. Overall, the KH120A is a genuine bargain in its price range, recommended highly for those seeking high-quality, accurate monitors. With no significant drawbacks at this price, they set a benchmark in compact active monitors.

positive

Full Review

Neumann KH 120 A & D Review

kenrockwell.com

The Neumann KH 120 Active Studio Monitor is a precision instrument, lauded as one of the most accurate monitors ever measured. Ideal for professional use, they deliver crystal-clear sound, revealing every detail of the audio without embellishment. Their robust aluminum build ensures durability, and they boast easy setup and flexible acoustic controls. However, they fall short on bass reproduction, lacking the deepest lows without a subwoofer, and exhibit slight hiss and clicks under certain conditions. Despite minor drawbacks, they excel in providing an honest audio assessment, making them a worthy investment for serious audio creators.

positive

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 37 Ratings

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charlie_hurst

618

over 4 years ago

Incredible small nearfield monitors

After a home studio downsize I had to get something smaller than my old 3 way Genelec S30NF's. These came out top of all the reviews I read, and now I've had them for nearly a year I can safely say they suit a small studio space perfectly. They really fit the bill nicely for a professional studio monitor.

I use mine predominantly for dialogue editing and the occasional music mix and would honestly recommend them all over the place. Perfect for a small OB truck too, and definitely worth considering for smaller 5.1 and surround mixing environments.

They can also be DSP corrected in conjunction with the KH 750 DSP Sub, which is something I'd very much like to add if/when I start doing any more film mixing.

One downside is that the power supply circuit is on the same board as the audio circuitry. So if the power supply goes bad you have to replace the whole board, which is expensive...

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Alternative rock

From Gear Setup

noize_guerilla_subalot

327

almost 9 years ago

Spot on

They are a bit in the upper-mid pricerange when it comes to size vs. price. BUT they pack an enormous punch, are very clear and high quality. While lifting them out of the box, i got an instant feel of sturdiness and comfort. They are a wonderfull near field monitor and they can handle bass exeptionally well. They are a great addition my KS Digital C-606 (which are because of size and coaxial speakers 6"coaxial 1" + 6" +FMR quite a league on their own)

kirkwoodwest

157

over 12 years ago

Just simply a great set of monitors. Flat Clear and non-fatiguing.

ronny_87

125

12 years ago over 12 years ago

Very nice looking. What do they cost?

igg

115

almost 11 years ago

Best small monitors ever made.

These speakers give a very physical feedback to mixing especially in lower frequencies. I can even measure how much bass I can add to a mix accord to how much air these speakers throw out.